Freida Pinto to Star in Showtime Mini From John Ridley, Idris Elba

The 'Slumdog Millionaire' alum is set as the female lead in the six-part 'Guerrilla.'

Slumdog Millionaire alum Freida Pinto is headed for Showtime.

Pinto has been cast as the female lead in the premium cable network's six-part miniseries Guerrilla, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

From exec producers John Ridley and Idris Elba (who co-stars), Guerrilla is described as a love story set against the backdrop of one of the most politically explosive times in U.K. history. It centers on politically active couple Jas and Marcus, whose relationship and values are tested when they liberate a political prisoner and form a radical underground cell in 1970s London. Their ultimate target becomes the Black Power Desk, a true-life, secretive counter-intelligence unit within Special Branch dedicated to crushing all forms of black activism.

Pinto is set as Jas Mitra, while the role of Marcus has not yet been cast. Jas is a passionate and politically driven individual. As a member of a newly formed radical underground cell, Jas helps liberate a charismatic convict from prison in an effort to lead the street fight against social injustice in 1971 London.

American Crime's Ridley will write, direct and executive produce the limited series. Elba (Luther,Beasts of No Nation) will co-star and serve as an executive producer through his Green Door Pictures. Ridley will write the majority of the episodes and will direct the first two episodes and the finale, with Emmy nominee Sam Miller (Luther) directing the remaining episodes. Also set to exec produce the series are Patrick Spence and Katie Swinden for Fifty Fathoms, Tracy Underwood for ABC Signature and Michael McDonald for Stearns Castle. Guerrilla will begin production in London late this summer, and will be a co-production between Fifty Fathoms and ABC Signature. The drama will air on both Showtime and Sky Atlantic. A premiere date has not yet been determined.

Pinto is best known for her leading role in Oscar winner Slumdog Millionaire. The former model was discovered by Danny Boyle, who cast her as Latika in Slumdog, for which she earned a BAFTA nomination for best supporting actress. Her credits include Jungle Book, Rise of the Planet of the Apes and the upcoming indie Love Sonia. She's repped by CAA, Gotham Group and Principal Entertainment.